THE clout afforded teachers union buy-in to various states’ round one of Race to the Top federal grant applications was a bit surprising.
NewsOK
The Oklahoma Editorials
Published: May 17, 2010
The clout afforded teachers union buy-in to various states’ round one of Race to the Top federal grant applications was a bit surprising. What shouldn’t be surprising is that the unions may use that as a bargaining chip as the deadline for round two nears.
State Superintendent Sandy Garrett recently sent a letter to district superintendents statewide urging them to consider signing on to the state’s application for round two funding. The memorandum of understanding between the state and districts also has a place for the leader of the local bargaining unit to sign.
A letter from the Oklahoma Education Association soon followed, warning local bargaining officials that the association wasn’t recommending teacher groups endorse the plans or sign the document. Executive Director Lela Odom said the still-unfinished round two application includes significant changes from the first proposal, and that local union leaders need to consider carefully the potential changes, some of which are under consideration at the Legislature.
Garrett said despite the caution warning, many districts have submitted their paperwork with a union endorsement. That’s good news... FULL ARTICLE
Posted on
Mon, May 17, 2010
by Crystal Drwenski